Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard convicted on 12 counts

A Lee County jury today convicted Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard on 12 felony charges in his ethics case, removing Hubbard from office.

Hubbard, 54, was convicted after a jury spent seven hours deliberating whether he used his public position for personal gain.

Hubbard faces up to 20 years in prison for each ethics count. Sentencing is set for July 8.

Hubbard was immediately taken into custody and placed in the Lee County jail.

He was released on $160,000 bond Friday night and driven away by a bail bondsman, according to the Associated Press.

The conviction came after a 12-day trial in which Hubbard took the stand for three days in his own defense.

"We hope this verdict tonight will restore some of the confidence in the people in the state of Alabama that public officials at all levels in the state of Alabama will be held accountable for their actions," Acting Attorney General Van Davis said.

"Especially those who would betray their public trust and their position of public trust while in office from all levels, local, county and state."

Attorney General Luther Strange recused himself from the investigation and appointed Davis to oversee it in 2013.

Hubbard called the case a "political witch hunt" when he was indicted, and his lawyers accused prosecutors, especially special prosecutions division chief Matt Hart, of misconduct and leaking grand jury information.

"We were accused, but at every step along the way, the court never found any basis for those things," Hart said. "And this kind of prosecution, when you're investigating and prosecuting people at the highest levels of power in government, you're going to get that sort of tactic."

WSFA reported that Hubbard attorney David McKnight said they were "very disappointed" in the verdict and that the case would be appealed.

"We plan on appealing," McKnight said. "I feel like I let my client down. I feel confident that we'll prevail in the outcome."

Prosecutors said Hubbard used the power of his office to improperly benefit his companies and clients and to try to obtain $2.3 million worth of work, investments and financial favors.

Hubbard's defense argued that the transactions were legal and within the bounds of the ethics law and exemptions for normal business dealings and longstanding friendships.

Defense lawyer Bill Baxley told jurors that Hubbard took care not to run afoul of state ethics law and asked advice from the then-director of the Alabama Ethics Commission.

Prosecutor Hart depicted Hubbard as a conniving politician who seized at opportunities to make money through his political party work and elected office.

"This is a good day for the rule of law in our state," Attorney General Luther Strange announced after the verdict. "This kind of result would never have been achieved had our office not put together the finest public corruption unit in the country. I'm very proud of their work. This should send a clear message that in Alabama we hold public officials accountable for their actions."

The speaker's office released a statement saying that Rep. Victor Gaston, R-Mobile, the speaker pro tem, becomes acting speaker under state law and House rules.

"The Alabama House is not defined by the actions of any one member, it is defined by the motto that appears on the wall of our Chamber, 'Vox Populi,' which means 'Voice of the People,'" Gaston said in a statement. "This incident, no matter how regrettable, offers strong proof that the ethics reforms passed by the Legislature in 2010 remain among the toughest in the nation."

"I know that every House member, regardless of party, will keep Mike Hubbard and his family in our prayers as he begins this next, most difficult chapter in his life."

Of the 23 charges Hubbard faced, he was convicted of:

Voting on legislation with a conflict of interest that would benefit American Pharmacy Cooperative Inc., a consulting client.

Receiving money from a principal, American Pharmacy Cooperative Inc., through a consulting contract.

Receiving money from a principal, Edgenuity, through a consulting contract.

Using office for personal gain through a consulting contract with Capitol Cups, a business owned by Robert Abrams.

Lobbying the state Department of Commerce for consulting client Robert Abrams.

Lobbying the governor's office for consulting client Robert Abrams.

Using state personnel to benefit consulting client Robert Abrams.

Soliciting and receiving money from a principal, former Business Council of Alabama Chairman Will Brooke, a $150,000 investment in Craftmaster Printers.

Soliciting and receiving money from a principal, James Holbrook/Sterne Agee, a $150,000 investment in Craftmaster Printers.

Soliciting and receiving money from a principal, Great Southern Wood President Jimmy Rane, a $150,000 investment in Craftmaster Printers.

Soliciting and receiving money from a principal, Hoar Construction President Robert Burton, a $150,000 investment in Craftmaster Printers.

Soliciting and receiving a thing of value from a principal, former BCA Chairman Will Brooke, help obtaining clients for Auburn Network and financial advice for Craftmaster Printers.

Hubbard faced charges stemming from an investigation by the attorney general's office that started more than three years ago.

A Lee County grand jury indicted Hubbard in October 2014 on 23 felony ethics counts.

Hubbard had denied any wrongdoing.

Hubbard was first elected to the Legislature in 1998, in his first run for public office.

He quickly rose to positions of leadership and was named chairman of the state Republican Party in 2007, a position he held until 2011.

As party chairman, Hubbard helped lead an historic change, recruiting candidates, raising money and organizing an effort that in 2010 would result in Republicans taking control of the Legislature for the first time since Reconstruction.

The new Republican majority in the House elected Hubbard as speaker, a position he has held ever since.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Updated at 9:58 p.m. to add quotes from Van Davis and Matt Hart. Updated at 10:11 p.m. to say WSFA reported an appeal is planned. Updated at 11:12 p.m. to add quote from David McKnight and statement from Rep. Victor Gaston. Updated at 11:20 to add charge of taking $150,000 investment from Hoar Construction President Robert Burton to the list of convictions. Updated at 7:21 a.m. on June 11 to say that Hubbard was released on bond.